UK & OTs’ Joint Communiqué Outlines JMC Conclusions

The United Kingdom and Overseas Territories (OTs) today issued a communiqué on the conclusions of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), held 24-28 November, having based their discussions on the five principles that guide their relationship.

The UK/OTs’ five relationship principles are:

1.     Devolution and democratic autonomy for the OTs, and consistency on the principles of partnership and engagement.

2.     Listening to the OTs, following the principle of “nothing about you without you.”

3.     Partnership with the OTs, based on mutual respect and inclusion, applying to all UK Government departments – rights come with responsibilities, including the responsibility to uphold our common values.

4.     Good governance and ensuring proper democratic accountability and regulation.

5.     Defending the OTs’ security, autonomy and rights, including the right of self-determination.

“We affirm that the Overseas Territories are vital members of our global British family working together to overcome shared challenges,” the communique states.

The Cayman Islands Government’s delegation was led by Premier, Hon. André M. Ebanks MP who was joined by Cabinet Members the Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister for Finance and Economic Development; the Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability; the Hon. Jay Ebanks, Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure; Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter; and Attorney General the Hon. Samuel Bulgin, KC, who took part in a series of meetings and high-level engagements with government, business and community stakeholders throughout the week. 

JMC remains the highest forum for political dialogue between the UK and the British Overseas Territories. It allows for reflection on the deep, historic and enduring partnership between the UK and the Overseas Territories, while providing an opportunity to renew commitments to a partnership built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.